Swiss materials giant Holcim and power and automation technology group ABB announced in mid-January that they had signed an agreement for general terms and conditions. Also, the already existing frame contract between the two companies for Technical Information Systems (TIS) was renewed another two years.

TIS includes as many as eight modules for information management, laboratory information, emission reporting, and an SAP interface. The system is marketed from ABB for other cement customers, such as KM (Knowledge Manager) and LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System).

In 1999, Holcim and ABB started their TIS cooperation in Europe with Holcim's requirements significantly influencing the product. This initial contract lasted until the end of 2004.